Rookie's Bold Move: Myron Gardner's Journey and the NBA's Unwritten Rules

Myron Gardner, a young player from Detroit, Michigan, has recently found himself in the spotlight for a heated exchange with NBA veteran Klay Thompson. The incident raised questions about respect and hierarchy in professional sports. Gardner, who is new to the league, called Thompson "trash" during a game, which did not go unnoticed. Thompson's fiery response, captured on camera, quickly went viral, sparking a wave of curiosity about the rookie's background. Gardner's journey to the NBA has been anything but straightforward. Born and raised in Detroit, he honed his skills on local courts and in community gyms. Standing at 6'5" to 6'6" and weighing around 220 pounds, he developed the physicality and versatility of a modern wing player. His high school career began at Detroit Loyola before transferring to SPIRE Academy in Ohio, a program known for shaping elite talent. This move helped him secure a spot in Division I basketball, where he averaged 18. 0 points per game as a senior. However, Gardner's college journey was not without its challenges. After a brief stint at Georgetown, he transferred to South Plains College in Texas, where he averaged 13. 8 points and 7. 1 rebounds per game. It was at Little Rock University that Gardner's game truly blossomed. In his second year, he led the Trojans in rebounds and steals, ranking second in points with 13. 2 per game. Despite his growth, Gardner went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. Undeterred, he joined the G League and eventually signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat in July 2025. His persistence and hard work have paid off, but the incident with Thompson serves as a reminder of the unwritten rules in professional sports. Gardner's nationality is American, and he is of African-American descent. However, details about his parents and extended family remain private. His religious background is also not publicly known, leaving fans to speculate based on Detroit's strong church-centered community culture. As a rookie, Gardner is just beginning to write his story in the NBA. While the incident with Thompson may have put him in the spotlight, it is his work on the court that will ultimately define his career. With only 9 minutes of playtime across 3 NBA games, Gardner has a real opportunity to shape his future in the league if he stays focused and on track.